Attachments Allow Use of LED-Based Microscope for Fluorescence Applications

The Primo Star iLED microscope from Carl
Zeiss is now available with three additional fluorescence attachments that
allow users to work with different dyes such as FITC, Dapi and Rhodamine/Cy
3. This permits the use of the LED-based microscope for single fluorescence
applications in training, routine procedures and basic research. It is particularly
robust and easy to use, and features an outstanding price-performance ratio,
to which the long-lasting, inexpensive and energy-saving LED light source makes
a valuable contribution.

For training in particular, fluorescence excitation through LED illumination
is beneficial as there are no warm-up or cool-down times unlike fluorescence
excitation using mercury vapor lamps. Furthermore, the excitation lamps no longer
need to be readjusted, enabling the user to start working as soon as the light
source is turned on. The iLED fluorescence attachment comes with practical eyecups,
making it possible to perform fluorescence microscopy without a darkroom—in
an auditorium, for example. A lever is used to alternate between brightfield
and fluorescence microscopy.

The Primo Star iLED was originally developed together with FIND, the Foundation
for Innovative New Diagnostics, for the fast and reliable LED fluorescence based
testing of tuberculosis and has been on the market since October 2008.

All Primo Star basic packages can be retrofitted with a total of four iLED
fluorescence attachments. This also applies to the systems with phase contrast
objectives and systems for applications in which a cover slip (D=0) is not used
such as in the fast diagnosis of smears and in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

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